DAVID RAVEN is counting on the experienced gained from a loan spell with Tranmere Rovers last season to help him build a new career with Carlisle United.

The 21-year-old defender from Meols on the Wirral signed a two-year deal with the Cumbrians yesterday, after being released by Liverpool.

Raven made only four senior appearances in three seasons as a professional at Anfield but became a first-team regular with Tranmere after moving across the Mersey on a three-month loan last February.

He made 11 first team appearances, helping Brian Little's team to fight off the threat of relegation from League One.

But Carlisle, promoted from League Two last May, were first to make a move for Raven when Liverpool made him available this summer.

Raven said: "I was with Tranmere towards the end of last season so I know what it is all about in this division.

"It is a really competitive league where you can get stuck in and play your football. I enjoyed my time at Tranmere and learned a lot while I was there."

Raven returned to Anfield after Tranmere parted company with Little at the beginning of May. The player was quickly targeted by Paul Simpson, the manager who masterminded Carlisle's climb from the Conference to League One over the last two seasons.

Simpson was headhunted by Championship club Preston North End this summer but his replacement Neil McDonald was keen to push the deal through.

Raven said: "I had been looking to come to Carlisle for a while but they had to put things on hold.

"They are a club on the move, going in the right direction and there are some good players there."

Meanwhile new Tranmere manager Ronnie Moore hopes to complete his own recruiting programme this week by signing two centre backs.